Mary Byrne

Marie Bernadette Byrne, 90, passed away peacefully at home on September 7, 2024 in Atlanta. She was married to her beloved Patrick Fintan Byrne for 63 years until his death in 2018.

Marie was born in Dublin, Ireland and lovingly raised by Sarah Ryan. She was predeceased by a brother, Patrick (Paddy) O'Sullivan and his wife, Annie, who guided Marie throughout her life.

At a young age, Marie was a professional seamstress and enjoyed making dresses for family and friends - often on the same day as an upcoming event. She loved to dance, and it was at one fateful fundraising dance in Howth that she met her future husband, Fintan. Immediately drawn to one another, they later married and had their only child, Mari, in 1955.

A few years later, the pull of a new life with greater work opportunities in America became too compelling for Fintan and led them to emigrate to the US. Marie was heartbroken to leave family but was willing to give this new adventure a try. She was pretty sure America would look like the sets in the Elvis Presley movies that she loved. Their small apartment in the Bronx was not exactly like the Hollywood movies, but with her courage and strong quiet spirit - and after a few not so quiet discussions about moving back home to Ireland - the family stayed and together built a fulfilling and successful life in the US.

Through the years, devotion to family took Fintan and Marie first to Indianapolis and later to Atlanta to be close to Mari, son-in-law Mike Hart and grandsons Patrick and Drew. Besides her deep and enduring love for Fintan, Marie above all else cherished her grandsons. As little boys, if they were about to get in trouble they would quickly say "please speak with our lawyer" - and "Mamaw" would always come to their defense. For years, she faithfully picked the boys up from grade school, attended soccer games and cross-country meets, and very much enjoyed going to "hole in the wall" spots to see teenage band gigs. Marie and Fintan knew that Atlanta would be the perfect home for their family, a belief that was affirmed when Patrick met the love of his life, Trisha VanDusseldorp. Trisha and Mamaw formed a deep bond, with Trisha lovingly caring for her during her final days.

Some people shine bright in life - Marie was one of the brightest. She had a kindness and openness that made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. In her presence, you felt loved, supported and just plain better about yourself. Wherever she lived, Marie made life-long friends - more than could ever be listed here - and the young people in her orbit became de-facto grandchildren.

Despite losing Fintan, she never lost her sense of humor and playfulness. She maintained her independence in her own home and lived a full, happy life past her 90th birthday with the loving support of neighbors, friends, family and dedicated caregivers especially her dear companions in recent years, Amy Reilly and Vanetta Walker.

To the end, Marie was full of fun and a great listener. Her amazing qualities regularly drew scores of friends and family to her side as she would hold court in her Atlanta home, sitting on her front patio and nursing a single glass of wine (always Chardonnay; two ice cubes, please). She loved those visits. We miss them already.

A private memorial service for family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 29th.

In her memory and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that all of us who mourn her loss do as she would: be extra kind, gracious and share your smile with others. She'd like that.